A woman accidently locked herself out of her car. A man was passing by and noticed the woman’s distress. “Are you locked out?” he asked. She indicated she was and so the man ran off to get the standard tool for such a problem – a coat hanger. He returned, fashioning this hanger into the appropriate shape when he asked, “Wait, are you positive this is your car?” The woman looked more closely and started to notice a few subtle differences. The truth was starting to dawn on her. “Oh no! This isn’t my car.” (SermonIllustrations.com, adapted).

It always pays to do a little questioning, searching, and investigating. This especially makes sense in our world of dramatic and diametrically opposite opinions on, what seems like, every topic. Religious truth is no exception. While it is more important than ever to search for the truth on current topics, searching for spiritual is absolutely vital.

Back in the First Century, the Bereans were known for their diligent search for religious truth. Acts 17:11-12 says, “Now these were more noble-minded than those in Thessalonica, for they received the word with great eagerness, examining the Scriptures daily to see whether these things were so. Therefore many of them believed, along with a number of prominent Greek women and men.”

With so many different religions and beliefs, it can be extremely difficult to figure out which one is true (Matthew 7:15-23; Ephesians 4:4-6).  However, the truth can be found!  In fact, God has promised us that those who seek the truth will find the truth on spiritual matters (Matthew 7:7-8).  However, like the Bereans, we have to diligently and eagerly search the Scriptures in order to find the truth.

Let’s never blindly accept something without support, especially spiritual matters.  Let’s adopt the Bereans love and eagerness for truth and constantly investigate the Scriptures to make sure the things we believe are right and true.

Brett Petrillo